Back of Bury St Edmunds town centre building, in High Baxter Street, could be redeveloped into seven apartments

The back of a Bury St Edmunds town centre building could be redeveloped into seven apartments.

M&D Developments has sought permission from West Suffolk Council for part demolition followed by construction of the homes in High Baxter Street at the back of 29 Buttermarket.

The front of the premises is home to Cambridge Building Society, which will remain.

Planning permission was previously granted for five apartments at the site, which was used by Argos.

A planning application said the site was ‘not the most attractive of buildings’.

Demolition would allow for the new homes and a ‘better relationship’ with the street scene and includes a courtyard within the site and off street parking.

A design and access statement said it aims to create visually a new building and retain some elements of the existing structure.

The building’s original use was as the Playhouse Theatre and Cinema, which was built in 1925.